Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Veteran underground rapper to play free show Thursday

Since the economy took a nosedive a few years ago local live music clubs have been experimenting with all sorts of alternative booking – from film nights to dodgeball to free shows. The latest of these free concerts brings veteran underground rapper Del the Funky Homosapien to Tremont Music Hall (400 W. Tremont Ave) Thursday. Del, who began his career backing cousin Ice Cube was once hailed “perhaps the best rapper you’ve never heard” by “Rolling Stone.”

I particularly enjoyed Hieroglyphics (especially 2003's "Full Circle"), the Oakland collective which he founded in his hometown. He also collaborated with Kid Koala and Dan the Automator on Deltron3030 and with the animated electronic rock act Gorillaz. It's Del that you hear on the the track “Clint Eastwood.” His solo releases are also critically acclaimed.

“Golden Era” is the most recent chapter. ITunes has an exclusive version of the triple album, “Golden Era Extreme,” with four additional bonus tracks that are only available on the digital version.

Thursday's show is free for 21 and up, $8 for those under 21. 7:30 p.m. For more on “Golden Era” and album related contests click here.